My Dear Angel

As I perused my journals, I came across a letter that I want to share. It was written in what seems like a lifetime ago, yet the words stand true. The photograph is compliments of my husband who shared the beautiful sunset with me, oh so many moons gone.

My Dear Angel,

So much happened in such a short period of time and I can’t seem to write as fast as the thoughts tumble from my mind. Just knowing that you are there to listen to my ramblings and my fears, well, it’s like you’re an angel that was sent here just for me.

My health remains unchanged or perhaps “stable” is the word that I should use to describe this space in which I sit. I’m not entirely certain what stable means because the word is owned by the physicians. My tests show no sign of the cancer growing, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s lurking under a rib, in a cell tucked deep within my body or floating somewhere in my brain. Then one day I will have to look into their face, solemn that it may be, and hear that although it’s most unfortunate, your cancer has spread. We have many drugs, they will be quite quick to add, so don’t you worry. As they speak their speak, I see myself sitting on the exam table, hearing from within a deep, dark tunnel in my brain, the crinkle of the protective paper as I move in to understand. At this point, the words lose their meaning, and all I hear is the blood rushing through my heart to my ears. Please understand Angel that I don’t mean to be hard on them. They have been caring in my fight to stay alive–it’s just sometimes the white lab coats are a barrier to mutual understanding.

It’s not only my caregivers that push me to speak. I have an irrepressible need to grab a bullhorn, plant myself on top of the nearest hill and then–right after I clear my throat–begin to speak my peace.

“Um people, may I have your attention for just one moment? I need to say a few words, some which may sound offensive.”

Hold on for a heartbeat. That’s one direction that I want to steer clear of–apologizing before the words are out of my mouth. Okay, so I’m still on top of the hill, but it seems as though I’m straying from my purpose.

“Which is,” I hear you ask, hand impatiently balancing on your hip, “what exactly?” Okay here’s where your patience is needed, please. I struggle to get the jumble of words out of my heart and out of my head.

This past weekend I returned from a funeral of the second family member who recently passed from cancer. Within two weeks so much was said to me that, well quite frankly, I’m full of anger and don’t know which way to walk. The death of two incredible men head the top of my anger list, but the comments, those misplaced albeit well-meaning comments are second and have me fuming. So, my angel, my friend, I beg your patience as I attempt to write these words.

Stating what I need seems to be the best way to begin this next chapter of my life. So, hang onto those lovely white wings of yours, off to my hilltop I go.

I need to be listened to. To be angry without judgment from others or myself. I need to have the freedom to tell them to stop talking, that I can hear no more. I need compassion without pity. I need to be able to express my fears at having watched two people in my life die of cancer, without hearing that I’m not going to die that way. Because can they actually promise me this? I think not. I need to cry without being fixed. I need to be okay with walking away from their conversation. I want to let go of the need to defend myself. I need to not pretend that everything is going to be okay. I need to be human. I need to express anger, to tell someone that his or her words aren’t appropriate, without judgment of myself or worry how I will appear to them. I need to express myself honestly. I need a hug. I need nothing. I need to be heard without being a victim.

I am not a hero. I’m an ordinary person living my life.

I need to stop here my angel. The rush of words has energized and exhausted me simultaneously. Quite a feat.

In love and peace,

Linda

2 Comments

Two words. Important much? People don’t know how to talk to cancer patients, especially metastatic ones. I think that my having had cancer has helped me support my metastatic friend better. Because while I was fighting, people said inappropriate things, the wrong things or NOTHING. I hope this letter helps me help me support her even more. My job is to love her and let her talk without suggesting she “go vegan” or telling her to think positively. She thinks positively every time she gets an infusion or hears of a new treatment. That doesn’t negate her rage at the unfairness of it all or her sadness that her life is interrupted every day by cancer. Thank you for this post. Beautifully written!

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That Bob and Linda Carey do not use foundation dollars to create these iconic images? In most cases, they take personal road trips to escape the difficult days a cancer diagnosis can cause.
In some amazing cases, a 'Company that Cares' will sponsor an image. This creates a win-win partnership. Our corporate sponsors get to show their support for breast cancer patients while funding our foundation.
If you are interested in speaking to us about a partnership, please contact Linda Carey at the Carey Foundation directly: 201-785-7974 or send us a quick note.